Thermal Vehical Test Technician

Ford • Long Beach, CA

10d • $74,300 - $144,900 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ford is seeking an experienced Vehicle Thermal Test Technician to support the development, testing, and validation of thermal systems for electric vehicles. The technician will work with thermal, mechanical, and software engineers to build test setups, operate laboratory equipment, test vehicle components, collect data, and troubleshoot thermal-system performance. The role is hands-on and focused on turning engineering designs into validated hardware, with responsibility for setting up thermal tests, operating test equipment, investigating unexpected results, and providing reliable data to engineering teams.

The position is hybrid, with a requirement to work onsite four or more days per week. The position is listed at salary grade 6 ($74,300–$124,500) or salary grade 7 ($86,600–$144,900); final grade and salary depend on the candidate’s skills and experience, job scope, responsibility, and market value. Visa sponsorship is not available. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in automotive, EV, thermal systems, laboratory testing, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience using standard electrical and mechanical test equipment.
• Comfort working with hand tools, power tools, plumbing/fittings, and test fixtures.
• Basic understanding of temperature, pressure, flow, heat transfer, and fluid systems.
• Ability to accurately follow detailed test procedures and record test data.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify unexpected test behavior.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with engineers and technicians.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with EVs or high-voltage systems.
• Experience with liquid-cooled systems and coolant loops.
• Experience with automotive HVAC or refrigeration systems.
• Experience with NI LabVIEW, NI DAQ, CANalyzer, or similar data-acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with CAN/LIN communication and automotive diagnostic tools.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and maintain thermal test setups for full vehicles and components.
• Test vehicle HVAC systems, vehicle components, electric motors, heat pumps, radiators, chillers, and coolant loops.
• Install and troubleshoot instrumentation, including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, temperature and humidity sensors, and voltage/current sensors.
• Operate thermal walk-in and drive-in chambers, chillers, pumps, heaters, compressors, and other laboratory equipment.
• Assemble and modify coolant, refrigerant, and air-flow loops for testing.
• Perform system leak checks, pressure checks, vacuum procedures, and functional verification.
• Execute test procedures and maintain accurate test records.
• Collect and review test data.
• Work with engineers to troubleshoot thermal-system and test-equipment issues.
• Support installation and removal of instrumentation on prototype vehicles and components.
• Assist with vehicle thermal testing in laboratory and road-test environments.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibration checks on test equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe test environment.
• Follow established high-voltage, electrical, mechanical, chemical, and laboratory safety procedures.
• Document test configurations, procedures, failures, and corrective actions.
• Communicate test results and issues clearly to engineering teams.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed